The sport's biggest stars came together on the biggest stage to make a statement on the league's growth, and how they deserve more credit for it.

As commisioner Cathy Engelbert spoke, players took the floor wearing shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”

Breanna Stewart and other WNBA players in Indianapolis for All-Star weekend characterized Thursday's meeting with commissioner Cathy Engelbert and ownership representatives as a "wasted opportunity."

This is exactly what Engelbert seemed to do with Minnesota Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman (who are setting the women's basketball world ablaze with their "Studbudz" live stream on Twitch) on Friday night, as was seen dancing with these two players at a bar in downtown Indianapolis.

The league sits at the precipice of a pivotal financial fork in the road in the form of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The WNBA and its players boast enviable momentum and a great product. They can’t afford to squander those favorable conditions with squabbling and a work stoppage in 2026.